No manufacturer builds the perfect bulletproof car. Sometimes you get unlucky even with <insert amazing name brand here>. As for cost, who knows. It could be the coolant is low (and therefore the clutch is no longer working), or it could be the compressor sized up. One fix costs $40, the other will...

I look at things a bit differently in the sense that I place a high value on the company, its culture, and its people. Certainly you have a great opportunity financially and job level wise, nobody would argue that. But consider that you would be going from a private company to a public one, and with...

OP here...to close the loop on this, I ended up purchasing a used 2012 JD z920A. Great ZTR mower that *should* last a really long time and perform well with the big yard. For the same money I would have spent on mid-range new, I felt I was getting a mower with top of the line components that are mad...

^ So which one are you leaning towards? It's amazing how many different models there are of engines….. http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/serieslanding.htm?series=7000%20Series Upper left portion of page shows "browse by series"…..that's quite a few to browse through :o Good luck....

Which Kohler engine? I believe the Command is one of their better engines. The Courage is in most of the entry level models. It just says "23HP/725cc Kohler V-Twin OHV Engine" I believe that is the Kohler Command Pro. This is a great forum (link below) to peruse using the search function....

Which Kohler engine? I believe the Command is one of their better engines. The Courage is in most of the entry level models. It just says "23HP/725cc Kohler V-Twin OHV Engine" I believe that is the Kohler Command Pro. This is a great forum (link below) to peruse using the search function....

OP here...just wanted to give an update. I have narrowed my choices to the Gravely ZT HD48 and the Ariens MaxZoom48. I can buy the Ariens online for $4800 all in, while I would have to buy the Gravely locally for $5600 all in. The Gravely would cost me about $800 more but I would also be supporting ...

You can pull the pump off and bring it to an electric motor shop and have them test it. They may be able to fix it for a reasonable fee. I was able to do that the first time I had a pump burn out and paid about $50 to have the motor fixed. The second time it was completely burned out and I bought a...

Going to bump this thread since it's a year old and my question is basically identical to the OP. Any specific makes/models that folks would recommend for a energy efficient pool pump replacement? Thanks, Valdeselad Is it the pump that died or just the motor? Motors are a commodity and they are pre...

FWIW - When we moved to a larger yard (1.5 acres) I went to the local Deere store, and happened to find a recently used 175. That was 25 years ago, and it's still going strong ("nothing runs like..."). If you have local dealers, you might want to check if any decent used models are availa...

Not sure if it's prudent to post external links, but this is an example of a used JD X300 that is fairly close to me. Would you guys steer clear of used equipment or is this something to consider? The price seems pretty good considering the low hours: http://houston.craigslist.org/grd/4590635199.html

I've been farming since 1975 and have owned a number of medium sized tractors and farm equipment. I think I know good equipment but on the other hand I am no lawn tractor expert. That said I ended up buying this to mow our 3 acre lawn: http://www.lowes.com/pd_521688-63311-960450046_4294612687%2B429...

If it is mostly flat with a lot of things to mow around go with a Zero Turn instead of a tractor style. Unless you are planning on doing some time of gardening you will get done much faster with a Zero Turn mower than you will the tractor type and you will find it much easier to mow around things. ...

Deere X series. Given the size of your lot I'd be looking at the X500's. Robust transmission and nice Kawasaki engines. For your lot I think the X300s might be a little light weight. The X700s are nice, but for what they cost you are starting to be in subcompact tractor range. Don't mess with anyth...

Would it be advisable to consider a "zero turn" mower? What about the deck? 48" or 54"? Is the HP a direct indicator of how long it will take me to mow (i.e. more horsepower will move it that much faster)?

How much money are you considering spending? Simplicity makes some very highly rated lawn and garden tractors as does John Deere. I personally have a Husqvarna with a Kawasaki engine that has been flawless now for 2 years. I bought the model with the Kawasaki engine because the reviews for the entr...

Hi All, I'm turning to the Boglehead experts once again. Our recently purchased home comes on a 2.7 acre lot and I need help with the purchase of a riding lawnmower. I have read some previous posts on this topic so I know there are some very knowledgeable folks that frequent these boards. Some other...

OP here...just wanted to give an update on what we finally decided: Refrigerator : GE GNE26GSDSS - This one is a 26 cubic ft. french door model without the ice/water dispenser in the door - we figure one less thing that will break. This also had a relatively large freezer compared to similar models ...

Op, I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel myself (I guess a small one? Kitchen + whole house popcorn ceiling removal and painting = $30k). However, I've been doing my appliances "as I go". I ended up with all Maytags, but that is just how it turned out to be. Each piece was bought in a ...

If you have the money, don't settle for less in a refrigerator. Sub-Zero. Had one for 24 years. Miss it in the new house. Will get another after I save up the money. Screw stainless steel. Get it integrated. For dishwasher. Bosch. Any model with a list price of $1000+. Quiet. Cleans well. On my 4th...

sdsailing wrote:+1 on the GE dual fuel convection range (not the very top ge line, but one removed from it...cant remember the name). We have another kitchen with much "higher end" oven and gas top separates and the GE is far superior.

If you want dual ovens I would look at the GE-- last when we looked they had the most usable dual ovens (at least until you got to the super-expensive brands like Wolf). FWIW we ended up with a GE range, Kitchenaid dishwasher, and LG fridge. Agree gardenweb is very helpful. Thanks lorek - when you ...

As someone who is contemplating a kitchen and 3 bath reno I wish I knew! There are so many options out there. In my case I'll be limited by space and will be focused on a 36" slide in range, probably gas and a 36" counter depth or built in fridge which offers the most interior space and t...

I like the 48" Wolfe gas range, just make sure you get a 1200 CFM vent hood for exhaust. For dishwashers I like Bosch or Thermodor. Of course Subzero is a very good but very expensive refrigerator. Allan Thanks Allan, I see we are both in Houston. Ideally would like to find some of these items...

Hi All, We just closed on a new house and are in the beginning stages of a kitchen remodel that will be completed before we move in. One of the items we will need to decide on is what brand and model of appliances we will purchase and install. We are going to need a range/oven (gas), refrigerator an...

If you really have that much extra cash (that will in all likelihood not be needed for unpredictable or unforeseen events) I would look at it the same way a large company with an excess cash position operates (i.e. Apple). They are always looking for the best way to return money to shareholders. Thi...

I noticed that my 1099 or 5498-SA is not available. Did you take any distribution from the HSA in 2013? If not, no 1099-SA will be issued. 5498-SA isn't due until May. @tfb - Thanks, that's the likely explanation. Provided I have no 1099, I'll run back through Turbo Tax and see what kind of info. i...

My company's HSA account/investment is done through Chase (http://www.chasehsa.com). I assume many other companies are utilizing the same system. My dilemma is that as I was doing my 2013 taxes this weekend, I noticed that my 1099 or 5498-SA is not available. I don't recall Chase being this late in ...

All, Hoping some of the fashion experts will chime in. I was in Brooks Brothers yesterday and came across the Gabardine trousers - Madison fit...great fit, great work pants and really liked the quality; however they were pricey. My question is are these pants typically included in the big sale that ...

I think in these situations which are a close call it's totally okay to do what makes you feel better. It's in those situations where your emotions are leading you to make really bad financial decisions that you should take all of the emotion out of it. I devote all extra money to taxable investing...

Yes, it does. If you click "Compare" on the Vanguard page for any fund, then scroll down towards the bottom, you'll see "Equity sector diversification." It lists "Real Estate" as 3.59%. The REIT fund (VNQ) has 98.67%. Small-cap value (VBR) has 17.41%, Total Internation...

If you're referring to an end of year basis, and you're using reported earnings instead of operating earnings (which you should), PE10 is highly skewed because of 2008 (PE of 60). Even if the market continues to increase in price, PE10 will actually decrease (to about 18) once we hit 2018 and roll o...

Unless you're grinding/pulling it out, stump removal can be a slow process. After cutting the tree, drill holes into the stump and then wait a few months for it to dry out a bit. Next, pour stump remover into those holes and wait 3-6 months. Finally, soak the stump in kerosene and burn it out. Even...

Would be interesting if any famous athletes or celebrities actually do post or lurk on Bogleheads, flying under the radar. These are groups that are heavily stereotyped but, like everything else, I'm sure there are exceptions.

If you're reasonably comfortable with power equipment, small stump grinders can be rented. I'm assuming the stump is relatively small as it was an overgrown weed and you handled the cutting down on your without a professional. Brian You're correct, the stump is not that big since it started as a we...

I need some advice removing a pesky stump that remains from cutting a tree down. I should clarify a bit. I live in Texas and this was really just a weed that turned into a (rather large) tree. Some friends of mine helped to cut the tree down and haul it away, but the stump remains. At the suggestion...

This is really a mess. I just called to try and verify if they were changing me from 5/3/1 to 3/2/1 rewards. The customer service person looked up my account, said that I was changing, that I had been sent notification and that there was no way to opt out. When I asked her to verify when I had been...

I'm confused...I just got the new Signature card in the mail the other day. I just checked PenFed's website and it appears that the 5 points towards gas is a promo that's only being run until 10/31/13, and then it reverts to 3 points. Am I reading this right? Yes. I thought that might have been tru...

We got rid of Dish Network about 6 months ago and now just use Netflix and ESPN's app on Apple TV for College Football. We have a Roku, Apple TV and Xbox to stream with and haven't had a problem. We tried Hulu but after 6 months of not having any commercials the commercials drove us insane. We are ...